Progressive Muslim Identities

by Vanessa Karam, Olivia Samad (Editor), Ani Zonneveld (Editor)

"Progressive Muslim Identities" answers the often-asked question "Where are the progressive Muslims?" Here, gay, straight, black, white and brown Muslims from the United States and Canada narrate their personal stories. Their powerful voices highlight human dignity, freedom to choose how one lives out one's faith, and the inner strength it takes to do so.

Genres: Islam

220 pages, Paperback

First published September 11, 2011

Reviews

[Israel · Rating 5 out of 5]

stories save lives

[Lia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting collection of personal stories from self-identified Muslims in US & Canada.

This is not a primer for the basics of the rich philosophy, historical context or normative practices of the faith. There are many good primary and secondary resources for that (or visit your local interfaith centre).

Rather, this is the first book of its kind that I have found which illustrates through personal essay just a few of the myriad of Muslim identities in North America, at the different intersectionalities of converts/reverts, redisovered faith, mixed race, sexual orientation, immigrant issues, first generation/second generation, political leaning.

This book is a project from the Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV), which is a non-profit leaning rather left and is rather 'progressive' in outlook in relation to many Muslim communities in North America.

I found the pieces contained within compelling as they are voices I had not heretofore read in writing. Refreshing and complex, with an honesty of their own individual truths and what brings them back to the faith. Again, if you are lacking a good foundational knowledge of the religion, you may not understand all the context. Seek further resources for a fuller understanding of the faith.

[Munira · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book will rub people the wrong way but it does give Muslims an insight into the experiences and lives of many Muslims who feel like the "other" and who have many times had disappointing experiences with the community or even in their own families and have chosen to identify as a Muslim within their own understanding of the faith. It still was interesting.